He was born in Monticello, UT on March 10, 1929 to Kenneth R. and Reta Page Bailey.

He married his sweetheart, Jolene Shumway, in the Manti Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on May 22, 1950. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

They are the parents of two sons and two daughters: Jeffrey Shumway Bailey; Colleen (Dennis) Golden of Green River, WY; Kirk Matthew (Jeri) Bailey of Brigham City, UT; and Suzanne (Kam) Weihing of Herriman, UT.

He is also survived by his sister Carol Beck, brother Lawrence Page Bailey, 20 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

He grew up in Monticello, UT where he attended school. In later years, he served his community as Mayor of Monticello and San Juan County Commissioner.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings, including bishop of the Monticello Third Ward. He especially loved the years he spent serving with his wife as an ordinance worker in the Mesa Temple.

Kenneth lived his life based on faith and had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He will be remembered for his kindness and concern for others and his love for his family. He was truly loved by all who knew him.

Kenneth’s love for life led him to many exciting adventures including stock car racing, bareback riding, and piloting his own plane. Because of his entrepreneurial spirit, he enjoyed a variety of occupations including staking successful mining claims, owning the Western Mine Supply and running Hal-Ken Construction and Development Companies.

He returned to his loving family who preceded him in death, his parents, son Jeffrey, sister Reta Adams and two grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Friday, November 19, 2010 at the Monticello Utah LDS North Chapel. Interment followed at the Monticello Cemetery.

In my younger years Sonny helped the youth with small jobs cleaning up the back side of the Western Mine Supply grounds, Bought my first hunting rifle w/ scope of his recommendation, A lot of our wedding gifts came from his store & he exchanged duplicates very cheerfully.

He looked after my widowed mom when he was across the street, I believe he conducted her funeral as well. Very honest, Hard working, Excellent man. I can say he was the "Salt of the Earth" type of a man. Very much a man of honor. Be assured he went straight to heaven without delay, My wife & I will always remember Mr. Sonny & his family as being some of the best people in San Juan County.

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